SpeakEasy Presents Regional Theatre Premiere of 'Once' in March

Mackenzie Lesser-Roy and Nile Scott Hawver in a promotional photo for "Once," coming in March to the SpeakEasy Stage. (Source:Maggie Hall Photography)

From March 1 - 30, 2019, SpeakEasy Stage Company will proudly present the Boston Regional Theatre Premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical "Once."

Based on the 2007 Irish film written and directed by John Carney, "Once" employs an exceptional ensemble of actor-musicians to tell the story of an unlikely romance between a down-on-his-luck Dublin street musician and a determined Czech immigrant who inspires him to dream. Featuring a book by Enda Walsh, and music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, "Once" is a charming tale that reminds us of the importance of pursuing our dreams and the power music has to connect us all.

"Once" got its start with a workshop production at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA in April 2011. The show then transferred to the New York Theatre Workshop where it opened in December 2011. Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti originated the roles of Guy and Girl for this Off-Broadway production, which was helmed by John Tiffany. This same team took the show to Broadway, where it opened on March 18, 2012, winning 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Since that time, audiences around the globe have had the opportunity to enjoy "Once," which has played in Dublin, the West End, Australia, Seoul, South Korea, Toronto, and across the United States.

SpeakEasy General Manager Paul Melone will direct this production of "Once." Winner of two Elliot Norton Awards for his direction of the musicals "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" (2013) and "Adding Machine: A Musical" (2010), Mr. Melone also directed the company's Boston premieres of "Carrie: The Musical," "reasons to be pretty," "The Little Dog Laughed," "Fat Pig," "The Moonlight Room," "Our Lady of 121st Street," and "The Shape of Things."

Also on the artistic team are Steven Ladd Jones (music director) and Ilyse Robins (choreographer).